PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

JK Portrait of James Khile
Online therapist

James Khile

Practical, respectful therapy for families and relationships

Credentials
LMFT
Experience
5 years
Licensed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About James

James Khile uses a client-centered approach as the foundation of his work. He focuses on listening first and helping people find clear steps forward. He combines that with practical strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy to address stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting concerns, and addictions.

James presents himself in a direct, approachable way so parents and partners can talk about what feels hard right now. James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - practicing in Iowa.

Background and approach

He brings five years of professional experience and longer personal experience that informs his perspective. He has worked with couples and families from different backgrounds and addresses a wide range of topics including grief, trauma and abuse, mood concerns, and LGBT issues. In sessions he aims to create straightforward conversations.

He helps people sort priorities, spot unhelpful patterns, and try small changes that make a difference. He also draws on mindfulness techniques to build calm and on the Gottman Method for relationship skills when couples need focused work. James emphasizes respect and sensitivity in every conversation.

He frames therapy as a collaborative process and adapts tools to each situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan. Sessions are offered in English and he sees clients in Iowa as well as international clients via remote formats. For parents worried about family stress or relationship strain, James offers practical coaching and therapy aimed at clearer communication and better day-to-day coping.

He encourages simple experiments in how families relate and follow up on what changes actually help.

Online approaches that fit family and relationship needs

James draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in online sessions. Client-centered therapy means the therapist listens with curiosity and helps clients set their own goals; it works well for parents and partners who need space to talk through practical problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and change patterns in relationships.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. James will discuss what matters most to the client and try techniques that match the goals and comfort level. Together they decide whether to emphasize listening and empathic support, skill-building with CBT, or a mix of methods over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy families. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that is helpful. Phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging give options for shorter check-ins and support between meetings. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into work, parenting, and daily life while keeping the focus on real changes and practical tools.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does James commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, family and relationship challenges, parenting issues, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self-esteem, career matters, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and many other related concerns.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centered style focused on listening and collaboration, and pairs that with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
How long has he practiced?
James has five years of professional experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and longer personal experience that shapes his approach to family and parenting issues.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is licensed in Iowa as an LMFT with license number IA LMFT 090655 and works with clients in that state as well as with international clients through remote formats.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to start a session?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session based on the therapist's listed availability.

Next step

Talk to James

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point